Method and system for locating a wireless tracking device associated with a network of alarm panels

ABSTRACT

A wireless tracking device can operate in two or more modes in connection with determining location of the wireless tracking device. In one mode, the wireless tracking device can determine location by establishing communication with an alarm panel using a short-range transceiver. The alarm panel can have a location that is known at the alarm panel or at a remote server, for example. In another mode, the wireless tracking device can utilize a location detector, such as a GPS receiver or a short-range receiver, to determine location of the wireless tracking device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates generally to devices for trackinglocations of people and objects, and more particularly to determininglocation of a wireless tracking device based on short-rangecommunication with alarm panels at certain times and, at other times,using a location detector, such as a GPS receiver or a cellular locationreceiver.

BACKGROUND

Wireless tracking devices can useful for tracking people, animals, andinanimate objects, for example by attaching or otherwise associating awireless tracking device to an item being tracked. The wireless trackingdevice can transmit a wireless signal that conveys locationalinformation about the wireless tracking device, and thus about the item.When a wireless tracking device is limited to utilizing a single mode ofoperation for location detection, the device can be subject todiminished utility when the single mode of operation performsinadequately due to excess power consumption, noise, signal loss,failure, or other factor.

Accordingly, there are needs in the art for improved location detection.For example, need exists for tracking location utilizing two or moremodes of operation. A technology addressing such a need, or some relateddeficiency in the art, would support robust location tracking.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, location of a wireless tracking devicecan be determined using two or more modes of operation. In one mode ofoperation, location of the wireless tracking device can be determinedvia short-range communication with an alarm panel. In another mode ofoperation, location of the wireless tracking device can be determinedusing a location detector, for example a GPS receiver or a receiver thatdetermines location using cellular signals.

The foregoing discussion of wireless tracking is for illustrativepurposes only. Various aspects of the present technology may be moreclearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following textand by reference to the associated drawings and the claims that follow.Other aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objects ofthe present technology will become apparent to one with skill in the artupon examination of the following drawings and text. It is intended thatall such aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objectsare to be included within this description and covered by thisapplication and by the appended claims of the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is functional block diagram of a wireless tracking system inaccordance with some example embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a wireless tracking device inaccordance with some example embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for determining location for awireless tracking device in accordance with some example embodiments ofthe present technology.

Many aspects of the technology can be better understood with referenceto the above drawings. The elements and features shown in the drawingsare not necessarily to scale, emphasis being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of exemplary embodiments of the presenttechnology. Moreover, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to helpvisually convey such principles.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of the disclosure can improve operations of acomputer-based system and process for tracking location of a device, forexample by reducing energy consumption or extending battery life, byachieving more robust or accurate tracking, or by providing operationalredundancy via switching tracking modes when performance of one modediminishes or encounters an operational obstacle, for example.

Some example embodiments of the present technology will be discussed infurther detail below with reference to the figures. However, the presenttechnology can be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the technology to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, all “examples,”“embodiments,” “example embodiments,” or “exemplary embodiments” givenherein are intended to be non-limiting and among others supported byrepresentations of the present technology.

Some of the embodiments may comprise or involve processes that will bediscussed below. Certain steps in such processes may naturally need toprecede others to achieve intended functionality or results. However,the technology is not limited to the order of the steps described to theextent that reordering or re-sequencing does not render the processesuseless or nonsensical. Thus, it is recognized that some steps may beperformed before or after other steps or in parallel with other stepswithout departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 1, this figure illustrates a functional blockdiagram of a wireless tracking system 200 in accordance with someexample embodiments of the present technology. The illustrated wirelesstracking system 200 can be viewed as an example operating environmentfor locating a wireless tracking device 100 associated with a network ofalarm panels 221, 222, . . . 22N.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless tracking system 200comprises a cellular system 206. As illustrated, the wireless trackingdevice 100 is located within communication range of two cell towers 250in the cellular system 206 and may communicate with either viarespective communication channels 275. As the wireless tracking device100 moves, the device 100 may communicate with different cell towers 250(including not illustrated towers) within the cellular system 206.

The cell towers 250 can communicate with a server 210 via directconnection to the network 206. In some embodiments, the cellular system206 communicates wirelessly with the server 210. Alternatively,communication between the cell towers 250 and the server 210 can flowthrough another network 205, which may comprise the Internet or aprivate network, for example.

In an example embodiment, the server 210 provides location services forthe wireless tracking device 100 as well as for other wireless trackingdevices (not illustrated) that may be attached to people, animals, orobjects. In some embodiments, the server 210 can comprise a gateway ormiddleware server. In some embodiments, the server 210 provides agateway for the alarm panels 221, 222, . . . 22N. In some embodiments,the sever 210 provides a gateway for the network of alarm panels 221,222, . . . 23N and further interfaces with the wireless tracking devices100 in connection with providing location services. In some embodiments,the server 210 may store configuration data that may be downloaded towireless tracking devices 100 and/or to the alarm panels 221, 222, . . .22N, such as during startup or rebooting.

In some example embodiments, the server 210 comprises a networkinterface, for example an Internet connection. The server 210 mayfurther comprise memory and a processor or controller that is operablylinked to the memory and to the network interface. In some exampleembodiments, the server 210 can comprise a group or cluster of serversacting as a single logical entity.

In some embodiments, memory of the server 210 comprises or stores alocating management engine for managing location of the wirelesstracking device 100, as well as for other wireless tracking deviceslinked to the cellular system 206.

In an example embodiment, memory of the server 210 stores a map, atable, or database that associates alarm panel identification withgeographic location of each alarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22N. Forexample, the alarm panel 221 may have an assigned code that the server210 has associated with a particular street address and/or a particularset of geographic coordinates. Similarly, the alarm panel 222 may haveanother assigned code that the server 210 has associated with anotherstreet address and/or another set of geographic coordinates. Thus, eachalarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22N can have a specific code oridentification, and that code or identification can be correlated with aparticular geographic location. As one alternative to the server 210storing the alarm panel location data, each alarm panel 221, 222, . . .22N can know and maintain a record of its own location. Alarm panellocation data can also be stored in the wireless tracking device 100 orsome other appropriate location.

Each alarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22N is installed at a respectivepremises, for example at a home or business. Each alarm panel 221, 222,. . . 22N comprises a wireless transmitter and receiver for short-rangecommunication. Each alarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22N thus has anassociated local communication range 231, 232, . . . 23N.

The alarm panels 221, 222, . . . 22N can use the short-rangecommunication capabilities to access the network 205, for example via awireless router. For example, the alarm panel 221 can communicate over alocal wireless channel to an onsite wireless router that links to thenetwork 205, thereby providing the alarm panel 221 with wide areaconnectivity via the Internet.

As discussed in further detail below, the wireless tracking device 100can communicate with the various alarm panels 221, 222, . . . 22N as thewireless tracking device 100 moves into and out of the variousassociated local communication ranges 231, 232, . . . 23N.

Turning now to FIG. 2, this figure illustrates a representativefunctional block diagram for the example wireless tracking device 100according to some embodiments of the present technology.

In some example embodiments, the wireless tracking device 100 isphysically attached to or otherwise associated with (and tracks) avehicle, a package, freight, or some inanimate object. In some exampleembodiments, the wireless tracking device 100 tracks a person or ananimal. In some example embodiments, the wireless tracking device 100tracks one or more people in connection with monitoring their health,safety, or well being, for example patients or elderly people.

In some example embodiments, the wireless tracking device 100 comprisesa device for monitoring the movement of an individual. For example, thewireless tracking device 100 can comprise an offender monitor, which mayinclude a strap that extends around an appendage of an offender who isbeing monitored, such as around the offender's leg or arm. The strap canbe attached to a housing that encloses electrically powered elements.The offender may be a criminal on parolee or a person who is under agovernment order for monitoring or a restraining order or house arrestimposed by a court or other authority, for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless tracking device 100comprises a cellular module 305, a GPS and/or cellular location receiver350, a local transceiver 351, a microcontroller system 325, and othersensors 310, all of which are powered by one or more on-board batteries375. The cellular module 305 comprises an example embodiment of a radio.The GPS and/or cellular location receiver 350 comprises an exampleembodiment of a location detector.

The other sensors 310 may include tamper detectors, orientation sensors,switches, microphones, gyroscopes, accelerometers, temperature sensors,compasses, etc. Example tamper detectors can include switches that openor close to provide an electrical signal when a housing is opened orotherwise breached, fiber optic strands that are embedded in an offendermonitor strap to break and stop transmitting an optical signal when thestrap is compromised, and other appropriate tamper sensing devices.

In some example embodiments, the cellular module 305 and the GPS and/orcellular location receiver 350 are integrated into a single modem moduleor chip or chip set. In operation, the cellular module 305 can maintaina connection to one or more cell towers 250 over one or more wirelesschannels 275 through a wireless network as illustrated in FIG. 1. In anexample embodiment, the cellular module 305 continuously attempts tokeep a cellular connection available to the tower 250. In such anembodiment, the server 210 can control the operation of the wirelesstracking device 100 by sending commands or other data to the wirelesstracking device 100. In various embodiments, the cellular module 305 cancomprise CDMA, GSM, UMTS, HSPA, or LTE technologies.

When triggered by the microcontroller system 325, a GPS location readingoccurs on the GPS and/or cellular location receiver 350. Themicrocontroller system 235 can further control the cellular module 305in connection with transmitting acquired locational information (GPSdata or otherwise), notifications, alarms, and other appropriate dataand with receiving commands and other data. Beyond GPS-based locating,the GPS and/or cellular location receiver 350 can obtain locationalinformation utilizing cell-tower-based triangulation, such as advancedforward link trilateration (AFLT), or using a signal-strength-basedlocation approach, such as received signal strength indicator (RSSI)based on tower or Wi-fi signals. The wireless tracking device 100 canutilize such technologies as embodiments of a location detector toaugment or support, or as a substitution for, satellite-based locationtracking. Further, GPS tracking can utilize assisted GPS (A-GPS) toimprove location acquisition speed.

As illustrated, the wireless tracking device 100 comprises a localtransceiver 351, which may comprise one or more Wi-fi or short-rangereceivers and one or more Wi-fi or short-range transmitters. The localtransceiver 351 outfits the wireless tracking device 100 to communicatewith each alarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22N when the wireless trackingdevice 100 is in the associated alarm panel local communication range231, 231, . . . 23N.

In an example embodiment, the microcontroller system 325 comprises alow-power microcontroller and associated memory 330. The microcontrollersystem 325 can comprise a microprocessor or other appropriate processor,for example.

Example embodiments of the memory 330 can comprise volatile andnonvolatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and flash memoryfor example. In an example embodiment, the memory 330 can comprisefirmware for executing management and control functions. For example,the memory 330 can comprise persistent memory that stores program code,including a locating management engine 333. An example embodiment of thelocating management engine 333 comprises computer executableinstructions for utilization of the GPS and/or cellular locationreceiver 350 or other location detector, or code for implementingprocess 500 that is illustrated in flowchart form in FIG. 3 anddiscussed below.

For example, the locating management engine 333 can switch between twolocating modes when conditions warrant. In one mode, the locatingmanagement engine 333 can prompt the GPS and/or cellular locationreceiver 350 to take a location reading as discussed above. In anothermode, the locating management engine 333 can prompt the localtransceiver 351 to find and/or communicate with an in-range alarm panel221, 222, . . . 22N to determine location.

In some example embodiments, location determination via GPS is thedefault mode of location operation for the wireless tracking device 100.In some example embodiments, location determination using the GPS and/orcellular location receiver 350 is the default mode of location operationfor the wireless tracking device 100.

In some example embodiments, location determination via short-rangecommunication with one or more alarm panels 221, 222, . . . 22N is thedefault mode of location operation for the wireless tracking device 100.Such an embodiment can be utilized to conserve or extend battery life asoperating the local transceiver 351 may consume less energy than takingGPS-based readings, for example.

In some example embodiment, the wireless tracking device 100 switchesfrom the default mode of location operation to the other mode oflocation operation when the default mode is unavailable or is subject todiminished performance. For example, the locating management engine 333can switch away from GPS when a GPS signal is unavailable or is noisy.As another example, the locating management engine 333 can switch fromlocation determination based on short-range alarm-panel communication toGPS-based location determination when no alarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22Nis within local communication range.

An example embodiment of a process 500 for determining location of thewireless tracking device 100 will now be described in further detailwith reference to the example flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3. Examplereference will further be made to the preceding figures, withoutlimitation.

In some example embodiments, instructions for execution of the relevantsteps of process 500 can be stored in the memory 330 and executed by themicrocontroller system 325 of the wireless tracking device 100. Forexample, process 500 can be practiced using instructions that areprovided in the locating management engine 333 or in some otherappropriate location or locations. Recognizing that the process 500 canbe implemented or practiced in various places, the process 500 will bediscussed below in with reference to an embodiment in which instructionsare stored in the wireless tracking device 100, without limitation.

At decision block 505 of process 500, the locating management engine 333determines whether the wireless tracking device 100 needs to be located.The decision can be based on a timer or triggered by a prompt receivedfrom the server 210 or by some other appropriate means, for example. Ifa location is not needed, then process 500 iterates block 505 until adetermination is made that a location is needed. When the locatingmanagement engine 333 determines that a location is needed, then process500 branches to execute decision block 510.

At decision block 510, the locating management engine 333 determineswhether the wireless tracking device 100 is in local communication range231, 232, . . . 23N of one (or more) of the alarm panels 221, 222, . . .22N that form an alarm panel network and are linked to the server 210.Making this decision can comprise evaluating incoming signalavailability and signal strength on the local transceiver 351. In anexample embodiment, when proximity of an alarm panel is detected, thelocating management engine 333 further determines if the detected alarmpanel is within a designated alarm panel network that supports wirelesstracking device location, for example a private alarm panel network.

If the locating management engine 333 makes a negative determination atdecision block 510, then process 500 branches to block 530. At block530, the locating management engine 333 prompts the GPS and/or cellularlocation receiver to take a location reading, as discussed above. Thewireless tracking device 100 can transmit the location reading to theserver 210 via the cellular network 206, for example. In the illustratedexample flowchart, following execution of block 530, process 500 loopsback to block 505 and iterates.

If, on the other hand, the locating management engine 333 makes apositive determination at decision block 510, then process 500 proceedsfrom block 510 to block 515. At block 515, the wireless tracking device100 uses the local transceiver 351 to query the alarm panel 221, 222, .. . 22N that is in local communication range 231, 232, . . . 23N of thewireless tracking device 100. In an example embodiment, the localtransceiver 351 queries that alarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22N foridentification, for example a unique, panel-specific code.

At block 520, the alarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22N responds to the queryand transmits the code, and the wireless tracking device 100 receivesthe code. Thus, the locating management engine 333 acquires the panelidentification.

At block 525, the panel identification is mapped to a panel location sothat the locating management engine 333 knows the location of thewireless tracking device 100. In one embodiment, the wireless trackingdevice 100 sends the panel identification to the server 210, and theserver 210 makes the correlation utilizing a stored relational databaseand sends back geographic coordinates. In one embodiment, the wirelesstracking device 100 sends the panel identification to the server 210,and the server 210 makes the correlation utilizing a stored relationaldatabase without sending back geographic coordinates. In such anembodiment, the wireless tracking device location can be know by theserver 210 (and accessed by users having connectivity to the server 210)without the wireless tracking device 100 necessarily having locationknowledge.

In one embodiment, each alarm panel 221, 222, . . . 22N maintains alocation record and can report location to the wireless tracking device.In one embodiment, alarm panel locations are stored in the memory 330 ofthe wireless tracking device 100 so that the correlation from panelidentification to panel location can be made within the wirelesstracking device 100.

Once the alarm panel location is determined (and thus location of thewireless tracking device is determined) the wireless tracking device 100can transmit the location to the server 210 using over the cellularnetwork 206. In some embodiments, the wireless tracking device 100transmits location to the server 210 via the network 205 using localalarm panel communication.

Following execution of block 525, execution of process 500 loops back todecision block 505 and iterates.

Technology for location determination has been described. From thedescription, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the presenttechnology overcome limitations of the prior art. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that the present technology is not limited to anyspecifically discussed application or implementation and that theembodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Fromthe description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of theelements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in theart, and ways of constructing other embodiments of the presenttechnology will appear to practitioners of the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless tracking device comprising: atransceiver configured for short-range communication with each alarmpanel in a plurality of alarm panels that are geographically dispersed,that have defined locations, and that are linked to a server, whereineach alarm panel comprises a wireless transmitter and receiver for theshort-range communication; a cellular modem configured for communicationover a cellular network; a location detector; a battery that powers thetransceiver, the cellular modem, and the location detector; and aprocessor that is powered by the battery and that comprises: aconnection to the transceiver; a connection to the cellular modem; aconnection to the location detector; and memory; and processorexecutable instructions stored in the memory to perform stepscomprising: making a selection between a first mode and a second modefor determining location of the wireless tracking device, wherein thefirst mode comprises using the location detector to determine location,and wherein the second mode comprises determining location byidentifying one alarm panel in the plurality of alarm panels that is inrange for the short-range communication and referencing the identity ofthe one alarm panel to the defined location of the one alarm panel. 2.The wireless tracking device of claim 1, wherein the defined locationsare stored remotely from the wireless tracking device.
 3. The wirelesstracking device of claim 1, wherein the defined locations are stored atthe server.
 4. The wireless tracking device of claim 1, wherein thedefined location is stored at the alarm panel.
 5. The wireless trackingdevice of claim 1, wherein the location detector comprises a GPSreceiver.
 6. The wireless tracking device of claim 1, wherein thelocation detector uses the cellular network to determine location. 7.The wireless tracking device of claim 1, wherein making the selectionbetween the first mode and the second mode comprises using the firstmode as a default and switching to the second mode when signal qualityfor the location detector drops below a threshold.
 8. The wirelesstracking device of claim 1, wherein making the selection between thefirst mode and the second mode comprises using the second mode as adefault and switching to the first mode in an absence of communicationwith each alarm panel in the plurality of alarm panels.
 9. The wirelesstracking device of claim 1, wherein the steps further comprise:selecting between a first network and a second network to communicatelocational information to a remote location, wherein the first networkcomprises the transceiver, the one alarm panel, and the server, andwherein the second network comprises the cellular network.